Mickey Rourke Faces Eviction Amid Legal Issues
Mickey Rourke’s career has certainly been a rollercoaster ride filled with ups and downs: controversial choices, legal spats, unexpected comebacks, and, well, more controversies.
Currently, he’s found himself in hot water again, having received an eviction notice for not paying around $60,000 in rent for his home in Los Angeles. To help him through this tough spot, some members of his management team have set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds so he can stay in his place. Interestingly, within just 24 hours, the fundraiser has brought in over $70,000.
Let’s take a step back and look at Rourke’s tumultuous journey in Hollywood.
Rourke’s Boxing Career
After starring in films like “Body Heat,” “Diner,” “9 1/2 Weeks,” and “Angel Heart,” Rourke decided to pivot away from acting and took up boxing professionally in 1991.
He fought until 1994 and later shared how boxing left its mark on him—both physically and mentally. In a 2009 interview, he reflected on numerous injuries he sustained. “I broke my nose twice, had five nose surgeries, and shattered my cheekbone once,” he recounted. He also mentioned that much of his surgery aimed at “fixing” the damage boxing did to his face, but said he might have sought help from the wrong people.
Legal Troubles
The actor has faced his fair share of legal troubles too, including a domestic violence incident in 1994 involving his then-wife. He was charged for allegedly slapping and pushing her during an office visit. Although he pleaded not guilty, the charges were eventually dropped when his wife failed to appear in court.
He also had another brush with the law in 2007 when he was arrested on DUI charges after making an illegal turn on a scooter. He claimed he hadn’t been drinking much, but ended up pleading guilty to a lesser charge of reckless driving, which came with a fine and an online driving course.
A Comeback in “The Wrestler”
Rourke experienced a resurgence in his career after starring in “The Wrestler” in 2008. The film marked a significant comeback, garnering him widespread acclaim and several awards, including a Golden Globe and a BAFTA. He even received an Oscar nomination for Best Actor for his role as Randy “The Ram” Robinson.
Ever since, he’s worked steadily in films like “War Pigs,” “Killshot,” “Ashby,” and “Commando,” noting that younger directors seem to value his skills more than his past controversies.
Current Situation
Now, Mickey Rourke is up against the threat of eviction due to his failure to pay nearly $60,000 in rent. He initially rented the property promising to pay $5,200 monthly, which later escalated to $7,000, according to a court complaint.
The GoFundMe page outlines Rourke’s challenges, emphasizing his initial rise in Hollywood and his unconventional choices. It describes how, despite his successes, he faced countless struggles afterward, leading to his current eviction notice. “Mickey Rourke’s life has never followed a safe and protected path,” it states, capturing the essence of his turbulent journey. The campaign aims to cover his immediate housing costs and prevent eviction.
